Member of the London 2012 Olympic Sailing team who have been on the Isle of Wight as part of Cowes Week. Picture courtesy of Getty Images.
OLYMPIC sailing stars are on the Isle of Wight today (Friday), just one week after competing at the London 2012 Games.
Members of Skandia Team GBR were welcomed this morning by double Olympic gold medallist and Cowes yachtswoman, Shirley Robertson, in a team appearance organised by Aberdeen Asset Management, the RYA and Volvo.
Stuart Bithell and Luke Patience (470), Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills (470) and Nick Dempsey (RS:X), Olympic silver medallists are likely to receive a lot of attention, along with their team mates.
Skandia Team GBR are taking part in a number of Best of British celebrations at the regatta which includes 'Try Sailing’ lessons at UKSA with some lucky competition winners; public presentation activities on the Parade and at the Volvo stand on Cowes Yacht Haven; a celebratory boat parade; and a guest appearance at the 'Toe in the Water’ Heroes and Legends Crew Party before the famous Cowes fireworks display.
Luke, 26, said: "We were delighted with our Olympic performance so it’s fantastic to be back in Cowes."
Saskia added: "I couldn’t think of a better place to be welcomed after the Olympics. I’ve got many fond memories of racing here, so I’m delighted that the organisers invited us here to celebrate the team’s achievement."
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk